05-19-2004, 04:37 AM
[size 3]Southeast Iowa Fishing Forecast[/size] [size 3]![[Image: semap.gif]](http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/images/semap.gif)
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[/size][url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#bluegill"][#800080]Bluegill[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#channel"][#800080]Channel Catfish[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#crappie"][#800080]Crappie[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#largemouth"][#800080]Largemouth Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#walleye"][#800080]Walleye[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#white"][#800080]White Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#flathead"][#800080]Flathead Catfish[/#800080][/url] [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#saugeye"][/url][url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#bullhead"][/url]. [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#redear"][#800080]Redear Sunfish[/#800080][/url]
Top Surprise.
Lake Odessa (Louisa Co.). Although managed for waterfowl hunting, this large backwater impoundment on the Mississippi River holds some of the best bluegill and crappie fishing in the area despite recent levee blow-outs. Summer draw downs for waterfowl management have also meant that the smaller fish are concentrated with the larger predators leading to fast growing and desirable size fish. Seven to 9 inch bluegill and crappies in the 9-12 inch range are common. Don't be surprised if you haul in some crappie in the 14-16 inch range. Odessa also has a reputation as an excellent bass fishery. This is a big complex; a map or GPS are valuable tools to help you navigate this unique area effectively.
Best Hunch.
Lake Rathbun (Appanoose Co.). If you have visited Lake Rathbun recently, chances are you have bagged a great number of crappies. However, as is always the case, crappies have to be small before they can be big and your catches have been on the small size. Lake Rathbun is not listed as of on the Nation's best crappie lakes for nothing. Thanks to excellent year classes in 1998 and 200 both crappie quality and density have improved greatly. Sampling has seen an abundance of 9-11 inch crappies; Rathbun is back!
Best Place to Spend Time With Family.
Lake Macbride (Johnson Co.) Due to the recent lake restoration project, we are starting to see the anticipated improvements to the Lake Macbride's fishery. A huge year class of black crappies dominates the fishery. The 9 inch average sized fish should be enough incentive alone to attract family fishing. However; bluegill, largemouth and Kentucky bass, channel catfish, and walleye are itching to end up on the end of a fishing line as well. When it is time to put the fishing poles aside; camping, hiking trails, a beautiful bike trail, boat rentals, beach facilities, a lodge, and Frisbee golf are all available in the associated state park. Nearby are opportunities for power boating (Coralville Reservoir) and great restaurants. Other nearby attractions is the Coralville Mall with children's museum, Amana Colonies, Devonian Fossil Gorgeland, and the University of Iowa.
Hidden Jewel.
Shimek State Forest Ponds (Lee and Van Buren Counties). Four large ponds lie tucked away in the 3,537 acres of the Farmington and Donnelson Units of the Shimek State Forest. The ponds are between 6-7 acres and all hold good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Both Shagbark and Bitternut ponds have boat ramps and motors are restricted to electric only. Black Oak has a parking lot nearby and a walk-way and fishing jetty for angler access. White Oak is most secluded. For those willing to take the one mile walk, exceptional bluegill angling will be the reward.
Most Overlooked.
This is a species not a place. This is a species with a toothy grin and an attitude for cooperation and hard fighting. This species only needs a better following of anglers to champion its attributes. We are talking about northern pike in Iowa's southern reach of the Mississippi River. Since the great flood of '93 pike numbers have increased making fishable populations readily available. Try the mouths of streams and rivers early in the year and in the fall. During late spring and summer try backwaters and side channels with downed timber or rock outcrops. Grab bait that sparkles, toss it in the water, and hold on for tons of fun.
[/url]Bluegill What could be more fun for a [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blg-card.html"][#0000ff]bluegill[/#0000ff][/url] angler than flyfishing with small surface poppers during the morning and evening hours of summer? Remember to drift fish for bluegills and crappie during the summer when they have moved away from shore and are suspended about 8 to 12 feet below the surface. Lower your baits to this level, and let the wind or trolling motor push you around the lake. Note where you catch fish and return for a similar drift pattern. I believe you'll find these techniques, baits and equipment will enhance your fishing experiences.
Lake or stream County Comments Farm Ponds All Mostly private water; but the best bit for a trophy fish Geode Henry Good numbers of 7 to 9-inch fish; with 10 inch fish present. Hawthorn Mahaska Good numbers of 7 to 9 inch fish available. Iowa Iowa Good numbers of 7 to 9-inch fish, for best results fish jigs and worms around brush piles. Pleasants Creek Linn Good in shallow bays during the month of June Odessa Louisa Losts of 7 to 9 inch fish. Diamond Poweshiek 7-10 inch gills. Wapello Davis Excellent numbers of 8 - 9 inch fish Handicapped accessible area. Sugema Van Buren Tremendous numbers of 7 to 9-inch fish. Handicapped accessible area. Indian Van Buren Excellent quality, with good numbers of 8 and 10 inch fish.
[/url]Channel Catfish It is a tradition at our house to start the warm-weather fishing season looking for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/ccf-card.html"][#0000ff]channel catfish[/#0000ff][/url]. It can be a great family outing as the fishing is generally done from shore, this allows young people some great outdoor options if the fishing slow. Incorporate a shore lunch with smores and the gang will be begging to go again.
When water temperatures reach about 50 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit catfish begin a feeding spree -- feeding on fish that have died during the winter. Fish your bait (cut baits are best) in the shallower (two- to six-foot), warmer portion of a lake or river with the wind blowing across or toward you. Use an egg-type sinker to lighten the bait, and set the hook after a short run. The best areas for early spring catfish angling are Lakes Rathbun, Coralville, Darling, and the Mississippi River.
Most of our lakes and rivers are excellent catfish holes and will often produce excellent catches and always will produce great memories. However, the Mississippi River is the best "catfish hole." Mr. Whiskers can be caught in nearly all parts of the river using a variety of baits, but best bets are above and below wingdams and rip rapped heads of islands where there is a current. Stumpfields and riprapped shorelines are hotspots during the prespawn and spawning periods. The size limit set on commercial fishing in 1985 has resulted in more spawning-sized adults. This allowed nature to replenish catfish numbers benefiting both sport anglers and commercial fishers.
Lake or stream County Comments Kent Park Lake Johnson Outstanding angling; excellent shoreline access Mississippi River Pools 16-19 Stump fields are good producers Rathbun Appanoose Exceptional fishery and all sizes. Coralville Johnson Exceptional fishery, all sizes. Miami Monroe Excellent number of all sizes. Darling Washington Lots of 15 - 19 inch fish; nine pounders are present Otter Creek Tama Losts of 14 - 20 inch fish. Keomah Mahaska Good for a variety of sizes. Handicapped accessible area. Hawthorn Mahaska Excellent fishery, with fish up to 25 inches. Des Moines River Exceptional fishery; all sizes are available.
[/url]Crappie For [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/whc-card.html"][#0000ff]crappie[/#0000ff][/url], traditional baits and techniques are highly successful, but why not try a new angling technique or two? Don't put your ice-fishing equipment away when the warm season arrives. Keep your ice flies, waxworms, and small bobbers handy because these baits can often out-produce the traditional baits. And why not try flyfishing for spring [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blc-card.html"][#0000ff]crappie[/#0000ff][/url]?
Lake or stream County Comments Rathbun Appanoose Excellent numbers of 9 - 11 inch fish; best in recent years. Mississippi River Big Timber area 8 - 10 inch fish common Coralville Johnson Fish around downed trees or vertical jig rocky shorelines; 10 - 14 inch fish are common Odessa Louisa 9 to 12-inch fish and hogs at the trough Iowa Iowa Good numbers of 9-11 inch fish. Miami Monroe Tons of 8 - 11 inch fish. Macbride Johnson Gobs of 8 - 10 inch fish Union Grove Tama 8 and 10-inch fish. Handicapped accessible area Darling Washington 8 - 9 inch fish are common. Handicapped accessible area Indian Van Buren 9 to 11-inch fish with some in the 12 to 14 inch range.
[/url]Largemouth Bass Effective [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/lmb-card.html"][#0000ff]bass[/#0000ff][/url] size regulations are a benefit to all anglers. With an excellent bass population, these important predators can whittle away at the panfish, improving their size for positive angler benefits. Additional benefits are improved bass catch rates and larger sizes of bass to catch. Give size limits a chance, release a bass and do as the bass does -- eat the panfish. Enjoy the best of both worlds.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Big Timber area Great numbers and in all sizes. Farm Ponds All Mostly private waters but exceptional fishing, best chance for a trophy. Miami Monroe Excellent numbers of all sizes, fish submerged timber. Pleasant Creek Linn An 18-inch minimum size limit. Macbride Johnson Good numbers of all sizes Diamond Poweshiek Good numbers of 2-4 pound fish; outboard motors are not allowed. Odessa Louisa Good numbers of fish up to 20 inches. Wapello Davis No-kill regulation; good numbers of 12 - 17 inch fish. Handicapped accessible area Hawthorn Mahaska Good population of 16-22 inch fish. Sugema Van Buren 12 - 18 inch protected slot limit; numerous 11-17 inch fish. Handicapped accessible area
[/url]Walleye The Great River's [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/wae-card.html"][#0000ff]walleye[/#0000ff][/url] and [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/sau-card.html"][#0000ff]sauger[/#0000ff][/url] angling is what legends are made of. The lock and dam habitat produces great catches in late winter, early spring, and late fall. Jigging sonars or jig-and-minnow combinations are highly effective. Wingdam fishing during summer and early fall will also produce stimulating action. Try backtrolling crankbaits or three-way nightcrawler rigs on the upstream side of the wingdams. An upside to the summer angling period is the peace and quiet of having a portion of the river to yourself, whereas the lock-and-dam fishing can be a bit competitive for some folks. There are a number of walleye regulation changes on the Mississippi River. Be familar with these [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/regulations/walleye.html"][#0000ff]regulations[/#0000ff][/url] before going fishing.
When hot weather slows walleye angling in the rivers and small lakes, think Lake Rathbun. Rathbun is home to some fabulous walleye angling at a time that most people wouldn't think of fishing for walleye. It is one of the few walleye lakes I know of that actually gets better June through August.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 15-17 Great tailwater fishery, fish move to wing dams in the summer Rathbun Appanoose Excellent fishery, large numbers of 15 to 21-inch fish. Iowa River Johnson Fish below Coralville Dam and Burlington Street Dam in Iowa City Wapsi River Johnson Fish below dams at Central City and Anamosa. Sugema Van Buren Good for 15 to 19-inch fish with a good number of 24 inch fish are available.
[/url]White Bass Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 16-19 Fish below locks and dams and wingdams. Rathbun Appanoose Excellent fishery; best in years; 10 -14 inch average. Pleasant Creek Linn Best in the summer, look for schools feeding on the surface.
[/url]Flathead Catfish Interest in [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/fhc-card.html"][#0000ff]flathead catfish[/#0000ff][/url] fishing is on the increase in the Mississippi River and Iowa interior rivers. And for good reason; anglers are catching some really "big ones" below Mississippi River locks and dams and in deep hole deadfall habitat in the Iowa and Skunk Rivers. Bank pole, or rod and reel, using green sunfish or bluegill for bait, is the preferred technique. Fish deep holes in summer and fall, and around bridge pilings in interior rivers and in side channels, eddy areas, and below locks and dams on the Mississippi River. At Rathbun Lake concentrate on rip rap in the Bridgeview area in late spring to early summer for excellent action.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 16-19 Best below locks and dams, wingdams, and side channels. Des Moines, Iowa, Cedar and Wapsi Rivers All Good for all sizes, look for the big fish in deep water of drift piles and bridge pilings. Skunk River Easy to fish because of its size; popular fishery. Rathbun Appanoose Fair numbers of 2 to 20 pound fish. Fish the Bridgeview area in late spring and early summer.
[/url]Redear Sunfish Lake or stream County Comments Wapello Davis Good numbers of 8 - 12 inch fish. Geode Henry 2003 fishery survey netted fish up to 11 1/2 inches.--article by Steve Waters, from the Iowa Conservationist
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[/size][url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#bluegill"][#800080]Bluegill[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#channel"][#800080]Channel Catfish[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#crappie"][#800080]Crappie[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#largemouth"][#800080]Largemouth Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#walleye"][#800080]Walleye[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#white"][#800080]White Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#flathead"][#800080]Flathead Catfish[/#800080][/url] [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#saugeye"][/url][url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#bullhead"][/url]. [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#redear"][#800080]Redear Sunfish[/#800080][/url]
Top Surprise.
Lake Odessa (Louisa Co.). Although managed for waterfowl hunting, this large backwater impoundment on the Mississippi River holds some of the best bluegill and crappie fishing in the area despite recent levee blow-outs. Summer draw downs for waterfowl management have also meant that the smaller fish are concentrated with the larger predators leading to fast growing and desirable size fish. Seven to 9 inch bluegill and crappies in the 9-12 inch range are common. Don't be surprised if you haul in some crappie in the 14-16 inch range. Odessa also has a reputation as an excellent bass fishery. This is a big complex; a map or GPS are valuable tools to help you navigate this unique area effectively.
Best Hunch.
Lake Rathbun (Appanoose Co.). If you have visited Lake Rathbun recently, chances are you have bagged a great number of crappies. However, as is always the case, crappies have to be small before they can be big and your catches have been on the small size. Lake Rathbun is not listed as of on the Nation's best crappie lakes for nothing. Thanks to excellent year classes in 1998 and 200 both crappie quality and density have improved greatly. Sampling has seen an abundance of 9-11 inch crappies; Rathbun is back!
Best Place to Spend Time With Family.
Lake Macbride (Johnson Co.) Due to the recent lake restoration project, we are starting to see the anticipated improvements to the Lake Macbride's fishery. A huge year class of black crappies dominates the fishery. The 9 inch average sized fish should be enough incentive alone to attract family fishing. However; bluegill, largemouth and Kentucky bass, channel catfish, and walleye are itching to end up on the end of a fishing line as well. When it is time to put the fishing poles aside; camping, hiking trails, a beautiful bike trail, boat rentals, beach facilities, a lodge, and Frisbee golf are all available in the associated state park. Nearby are opportunities for power boating (Coralville Reservoir) and great restaurants. Other nearby attractions is the Coralville Mall with children's museum, Amana Colonies, Devonian Fossil Gorgeland, and the University of Iowa.
Hidden Jewel.
Shimek State Forest Ponds (Lee and Van Buren Counties). Four large ponds lie tucked away in the 3,537 acres of the Farmington and Donnelson Units of the Shimek State Forest. The ponds are between 6-7 acres and all hold good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Both Shagbark and Bitternut ponds have boat ramps and motors are restricted to electric only. Black Oak has a parking lot nearby and a walk-way and fishing jetty for angler access. White Oak is most secluded. For those willing to take the one mile walk, exceptional bluegill angling will be the reward.
Most Overlooked.
This is a species not a place. This is a species with a toothy grin and an attitude for cooperation and hard fighting. This species only needs a better following of anglers to champion its attributes. We are talking about northern pike in Iowa's southern reach of the Mississippi River. Since the great flood of '93 pike numbers have increased making fishable populations readily available. Try the mouths of streams and rivers early in the year and in the fall. During late spring and summer try backwaters and side channels with downed timber or rock outcrops. Grab bait that sparkles, toss it in the water, and hold on for tons of fun.
[/url]Bluegill What could be more fun for a [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blg-card.html"][#0000ff]bluegill[/#0000ff][/url] angler than flyfishing with small surface poppers during the morning and evening hours of summer? Remember to drift fish for bluegills and crappie during the summer when they have moved away from shore and are suspended about 8 to 12 feet below the surface. Lower your baits to this level, and let the wind or trolling motor push you around the lake. Note where you catch fish and return for a similar drift pattern. I believe you'll find these techniques, baits and equipment will enhance your fishing experiences.
Lake or stream County Comments Farm Ponds All Mostly private water; but the best bit for a trophy fish Geode Henry Good numbers of 7 to 9-inch fish; with 10 inch fish present. Hawthorn Mahaska Good numbers of 7 to 9 inch fish available. Iowa Iowa Good numbers of 7 to 9-inch fish, for best results fish jigs and worms around brush piles. Pleasants Creek Linn Good in shallow bays during the month of June Odessa Louisa Losts of 7 to 9 inch fish. Diamond Poweshiek 7-10 inch gills. Wapello Davis Excellent numbers of 8 - 9 inch fish Handicapped accessible area. Sugema Van Buren Tremendous numbers of 7 to 9-inch fish. Handicapped accessible area. Indian Van Buren Excellent quality, with good numbers of 8 and 10 inch fish.
[/url]Channel Catfish It is a tradition at our house to start the warm-weather fishing season looking for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/ccf-card.html"][#0000ff]channel catfish[/#0000ff][/url]. It can be a great family outing as the fishing is generally done from shore, this allows young people some great outdoor options if the fishing slow. Incorporate a shore lunch with smores and the gang will be begging to go again.
When water temperatures reach about 50 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit catfish begin a feeding spree -- feeding on fish that have died during the winter. Fish your bait (cut baits are best) in the shallower (two- to six-foot), warmer portion of a lake or river with the wind blowing across or toward you. Use an egg-type sinker to lighten the bait, and set the hook after a short run. The best areas for early spring catfish angling are Lakes Rathbun, Coralville, Darling, and the Mississippi River.
Most of our lakes and rivers are excellent catfish holes and will often produce excellent catches and always will produce great memories. However, the Mississippi River is the best "catfish hole." Mr. Whiskers can be caught in nearly all parts of the river using a variety of baits, but best bets are above and below wingdams and rip rapped heads of islands where there is a current. Stumpfields and riprapped shorelines are hotspots during the prespawn and spawning periods. The size limit set on commercial fishing in 1985 has resulted in more spawning-sized adults. This allowed nature to replenish catfish numbers benefiting both sport anglers and commercial fishers.
Lake or stream County Comments Kent Park Lake Johnson Outstanding angling; excellent shoreline access Mississippi River Pools 16-19 Stump fields are good producers Rathbun Appanoose Exceptional fishery and all sizes. Coralville Johnson Exceptional fishery, all sizes. Miami Monroe Excellent number of all sizes. Darling Washington Lots of 15 - 19 inch fish; nine pounders are present Otter Creek Tama Losts of 14 - 20 inch fish. Keomah Mahaska Good for a variety of sizes. Handicapped accessible area. Hawthorn Mahaska Excellent fishery, with fish up to 25 inches. Des Moines River Exceptional fishery; all sizes are available.
[/url]Crappie For [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/whc-card.html"][#0000ff]crappie[/#0000ff][/url], traditional baits and techniques are highly successful, but why not try a new angling technique or two? Don't put your ice-fishing equipment away when the warm season arrives. Keep your ice flies, waxworms, and small bobbers handy because these baits can often out-produce the traditional baits. And why not try flyfishing for spring [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blc-card.html"][#0000ff]crappie[/#0000ff][/url]?
Lake or stream County Comments Rathbun Appanoose Excellent numbers of 9 - 11 inch fish; best in recent years. Mississippi River Big Timber area 8 - 10 inch fish common Coralville Johnson Fish around downed trees or vertical jig rocky shorelines; 10 - 14 inch fish are common Odessa Louisa 9 to 12-inch fish and hogs at the trough Iowa Iowa Good numbers of 9-11 inch fish. Miami Monroe Tons of 8 - 11 inch fish. Macbride Johnson Gobs of 8 - 10 inch fish Union Grove Tama 8 and 10-inch fish. Handicapped accessible area Darling Washington 8 - 9 inch fish are common. Handicapped accessible area Indian Van Buren 9 to 11-inch fish with some in the 12 to 14 inch range.
[/url]Largemouth Bass Effective [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/lmb-card.html"][#0000ff]bass[/#0000ff][/url] size regulations are a benefit to all anglers. With an excellent bass population, these important predators can whittle away at the panfish, improving their size for positive angler benefits. Additional benefits are improved bass catch rates and larger sizes of bass to catch. Give size limits a chance, release a bass and do as the bass does -- eat the panfish. Enjoy the best of both worlds.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Big Timber area Great numbers and in all sizes. Farm Ponds All Mostly private waters but exceptional fishing, best chance for a trophy. Miami Monroe Excellent numbers of all sizes, fish submerged timber. Pleasant Creek Linn An 18-inch minimum size limit. Macbride Johnson Good numbers of all sizes Diamond Poweshiek Good numbers of 2-4 pound fish; outboard motors are not allowed. Odessa Louisa Good numbers of fish up to 20 inches. Wapello Davis No-kill regulation; good numbers of 12 - 17 inch fish. Handicapped accessible area Hawthorn Mahaska Good population of 16-22 inch fish. Sugema Van Buren 12 - 18 inch protected slot limit; numerous 11-17 inch fish. Handicapped accessible area
[/url]Walleye The Great River's [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/wae-card.html"][#0000ff]walleye[/#0000ff][/url] and [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/sau-card.html"][#0000ff]sauger[/#0000ff][/url] angling is what legends are made of. The lock and dam habitat produces great catches in late winter, early spring, and late fall. Jigging sonars or jig-and-minnow combinations are highly effective. Wingdam fishing during summer and early fall will also produce stimulating action. Try backtrolling crankbaits or three-way nightcrawler rigs on the upstream side of the wingdams. An upside to the summer angling period is the peace and quiet of having a portion of the river to yourself, whereas the lock-and-dam fishing can be a bit competitive for some folks. There are a number of walleye regulation changes on the Mississippi River. Be familar with these [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/regulations/walleye.html"][#0000ff]regulations[/#0000ff][/url] before going fishing.
When hot weather slows walleye angling in the rivers and small lakes, think Lake Rathbun. Rathbun is home to some fabulous walleye angling at a time that most people wouldn't think of fishing for walleye. It is one of the few walleye lakes I know of that actually gets better June through August.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 15-17 Great tailwater fishery, fish move to wing dams in the summer Rathbun Appanoose Excellent fishery, large numbers of 15 to 21-inch fish. Iowa River Johnson Fish below Coralville Dam and Burlington Street Dam in Iowa City Wapsi River Johnson Fish below dams at Central City and Anamosa. Sugema Van Buren Good for 15 to 19-inch fish with a good number of 24 inch fish are available.
[/url]White Bass Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 16-19 Fish below locks and dams and wingdams. Rathbun Appanoose Excellent fishery; best in years; 10 -14 inch average. Pleasant Creek Linn Best in the summer, look for schools feeding on the surface.
[/url]Flathead Catfish Interest in [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/fhc-card.html"][#0000ff]flathead catfish[/#0000ff][/url] fishing is on the increase in the Mississippi River and Iowa interior rivers. And for good reason; anglers are catching some really "big ones" below Mississippi River locks and dams and in deep hole deadfall habitat in the Iowa and Skunk Rivers. Bank pole, or rod and reel, using green sunfish or bluegill for bait, is the preferred technique. Fish deep holes in summer and fall, and around bridge pilings in interior rivers and in side channels, eddy areas, and below locks and dams on the Mississippi River. At Rathbun Lake concentrate on rip rap in the Bridgeview area in late spring to early summer for excellent action.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 16-19 Best below locks and dams, wingdams, and side channels. Des Moines, Iowa, Cedar and Wapsi Rivers All Good for all sizes, look for the big fish in deep water of drift piles and bridge pilings. Skunk River Easy to fish because of its size; popular fishery. Rathbun Appanoose Fair numbers of 2 to 20 pound fish. Fish the Bridgeview area in late spring and early summer.
[/url]Redear Sunfish Lake or stream County Comments Wapello Davis Good numbers of 8 - 12 inch fish. Geode Henry 2003 fishery survey netted fish up to 11 1/2 inches.--article by Steve Waters, from the Iowa Conservationist
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